Architects and engineers play a critical role in building structures that can withstand daily usage and even environmental stresses. Without proper consultation with qualified professionals, the integrity and safety of construction projects may be compromised.
One tragic example occurred in Florida in 2021 when the Champlain Towers South collapsed, resulting in 98 reported casualties and displacing dozens of families from their homes. The aftermath of this catastrophic event left devastating consequences and served as a wake-up call for developers and stakeholders on the importance of a building’s structural integrity.
As a result of the same tragedy, New Jersey Senate Bill No. 2760 was enacted. Also known as Assembly Bill No. 4384 (S2760/A4384), this law was initially introduced on June 2, 2022. The Senate and Assembly then approved the bill on December 21, 2023, and it was enacted into law on January 8, 2024.
NJ S2760/A4384 stipulates that every condominium building in the state must undergo structural inspections and have a NJ reserve study. This law aims to protect communities and prevent occurrences similar to the tragic incident in Florida from happening in New Jersey.
Proposed building plans that affect the primary load-bearing system of a condominium or cooperative building must now be reviewed by a licensed structural engineer in New Jersey. This is a requirement when applying for a construction permit for new construction projects or modifications to existing structures.
The engineer will review the submitted construction plans. Then, they will establish a schedule for a pre-occupancy inspection and inspect the building to confirm that the primary load-bearing system aligns with the approved plans. Structural engineers will issue a comprehensive written inspection report detailing their findings. Additionally, they will determine the timing and necessity of any subsequent inspections to maintain ongoing structural integrity and adherence to regulatory standards.
The importance of structural integrity for buildings cannot be overstated. Laws like NJ S2760/A4384 are pivotal in maintaining that residential condominiums and cooperative buildings in New Jersey meet rigorous safety standards.
Learn more about this law and the significance of structural integrity by checking out this infographic from Lockatong Engineering.